Help shape thefuture of theRye coast-line

Rother District Council, Natural England and Shepway District Council are asking people to take part in a survey to find out more about visitors to the Dungeness Peninsular, which includes Rye Harbour and Camber.

The survey, which runs until Sunday, March 1, will give the authorities a better idea of how people use the area and help them to plan how it can be protected in the future.

Cllr Martin Kenward, Rother District Council cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure, said: “The Dungeness Peninsular boasts some stunning scenery and is a special place for wildlife.

“More and more people are choosing to visit this part of the world or to live here, and it’s vital that we can enable people to continue to enjoy the area while protecting the natural assets which make it so attractive.”

The area, which enjoys international protection due to its geography and rich wildlife, includes Rye Harbour, Winchelsea and Rye beaches, Camber Dunes and Broomhill Sands, in Rother, and Dungeness, Lydd-on-Sea, Littlestone-on-Sea and Romney, in Shepway.

The area attracts thousands of holiday-makers throught the year.

Surveys around eight car parks along the coast from Rye Harbour to Greatstone have been taking place for nearly a year.

The views of people who participate in activities in the area, including dog walkers, cyclists, ramblers, kite surfers, sailors and anglers are particularly important, as are the views of local residents.

People who visit the area particularly to take part in an activity, such as kite surfing or fishing, are asked to complete the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/sportsandgroups

People who don’t visit for any particular sport or hobby, are a resident in the area or who just want to express a view are asked to complete the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/dungenessvisitors